The winter holidays are the busiest days to travel. Whether you are going for a weekend visit or an extended stay, there are a few things you should include on your checklist before you close and lock the door.
1. Tell a neighbor or friend about your plans
We don’t recommend sharing your travel plans on social media but letting someone know about your plans can provide some security in case things don’t go as planned. Give them the dates you will be gone, where you will be, contact numbers and maybe even a key to your home so you can travel knowing someone is watching out for you.
2. Unplug unnecessary appliances
While you don’t want to unplug the fridge, it is a smart idea to unplug the coffee maker, microwave, hair dryers, curling irons etc. You may want to consider unplugging your lamps if you haven’t connected a timer that will turn them on and off automatically. You will be doing yourself a favor by clearing the fridge of any perishable food and then taking out the garbage.
3. Adjust your thermostat
As we have discussed numerous times, you will save money and wear and tear on your HVCA system if you adjust the temperature so that it doesn’t have to work as much when you aren’t there. In the winter, the ideal temperature is 55-60℉ and for summer set your thermostat to 85-88℉.
4. Prepare for extreme weather
We have learned that the winter weather in Texas can be unpredictable and extreme. Severe storms can bring high winds with tremendous amounts of rain. Before you leave, make sure that outside furniture and any covers are secure. In the case of an unexpected freeze, a neighbor or friend having a spare key can come in handy!
By planning ahead and doing these few quick and easy tasks, you can eliminate some worry and just focus on enjoying (or surviving) your holiday visit.
